Darjeeling travel guide

Published: 10/05/2012

Darjeeling is a hill station in West Bengal, India. During the 19th century the British acquired a cluster of villages from the Chogyal of Sikkim and established the hill station not only because of its climate but also for its proximity to Calcutta which was the capital of British India then. To escape from the heat of the plains in summer, the British escaped to Darjeeling. So a beautiful Victorian town was designed and constructed. Remnants of the Raj days can be still found in areas like the Chowrasta. Tea plantation was introduced as the climate and the area is particularly suitable for tea. Darjeeling became an important tea producing centre. Set up on the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling remains a popular tourist destination for the people of eastern India.

Darjeeling is full of look out points, especially the wonderful view of Kanchenjunga. The breath taking view of nature against the back drop of snow capped mountain leaves the visitor spell bound. The climate is particularly suitable for long walks and trekking.

How to reach Darjeeling?

To reach Darjeeling, the nearest airport is Bagdogra (Siliguri); the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Darjeeling is well connected by roads from these two terminals.

Darjeeling Food

For the foodie Darjeeling offers a wide range of Tibetanese, Bhutanese, Napalese cuisine like Wai-Wai, thukpas and momos, in almost all restaurants and wayside eateries.

Top Tourist Attractions in Darjeeling

Tiger Hill

The most popular tourist attraction is the Tiger Hill. Tiger hill is famous for the spectacular view of the Himalayas when the first rays of the sun kiss Mt. Kanchenjunga and the whole area emits a golden hue. One has to wake up at three-O clock in the morning, get into a taxi by 4AM and reach the observatory towers from where you can get the panoramic view and feel the sunrise and the magic lighting on Mt. Kanchenjunga. One should not miss the visit to the Tiger Hills at any cost when one is in Darjeeling.

Rock Garden

Beautiful and colorful, the Rock garden is a feast for the eyes. Several varieties of flowers landscaped in the rocks can be found here. There is also a waterfall. It is a tourist attraction for colorful family photographs.

Observatory Bill

Observatory Hill gives the best view of the snow clad, Kanchenjunga. The spectacular view of the Mountain with floating clouds so close above you gives an ethereal feeling. The Mahakal temple dedicated to Lord Shiva a top the observatory Hill is another tourist attraction in Darjeeling.